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Punta Arenas, Chile

Overlooking the Strait of Magellan, Punta Arenas is the southernmost city on Earth. Situated astride one of the world's historic trade routes, Punta Arenas features a great mix of cultures and Chilean history. It's also the region's gateway to some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world.

Punta Arenas, Chile

Port of Call in South America

The One Thing You Don't Want to Miss

In the city, you'll want to visit the Museo Salesiano de Mayonino Borgatello, home to an extraordinary collection of regional artifacts ranging from ceramics and art to antiques and preserved rare animal species. And make a point to drop by Munoz Gamero Square, where the locals sell homemade arts and crafts and you can check out the site of explorer Ferdinand Magellan's statue. Legend has it that if you rub the statue's toe, you will one day return to the city.

Sporting Adventures

The Parque Nacional Torres del Paine is a hiker's dream come true. The park offers abundant wildlife and spectacular scenery, including sparkling glaciers, majestic fjords and towering waterfalls. There's also excellent fishing and boating in the region's many lakes and rivers.

Get a Taste of Local Flavor

There's an old saying that if you haven't tried a King Crab plate, you haven't been to Punta Arenas. The city has many fine restaurants where you can sample this local delicacy - and for the more adventurous, perhaps fried Conger eel.

Shopping for Bargains

Punta Arenas' most noted shopping destination is the duty-free Zona Franca. You can find bargains on items including consumer electronics, crafts (like wood carvings of penguins), wool socks and sweaters, and semiprecious stones.

Local Currency

Punta Arenas' currency is the Chilean Peso (CH$). U.S. dollars and euros can be changed without any problem. Also, most major cards are accepted, including American Express, Visa, Diners and MasterCard. However, it's advisable to carry a certain amount of Chilean pesos for those businesses that deal only in local currency.